I used to walk a lot when I was younger and the late hours of night before dawn was my favorite time. The quiet of Lake Christina seemed almost surreal in those halcyon days. I reminisce as I walk by a different shimmering body of water; this one closer to the Rockies and the snow capped birthplace of the Columbia River. The lake's surface is a mirror to the myriad stars spilling across the black tapestry overhead. The fiery living corona of the setting sun fought for its last bit of relevance before being segued into a warm and deepening twilight. Heralded by a opening aria of homecoming birds and insects in silhouette against the dim silver of a waxing half moon, the canvas made the night special for me once more. I realise that I'm alone here; with a tumor growing within me. That's what someone told me today. But this night is not lonely. It's home.

Am awaiting word from the Oncologist about surgery and alternatives but I am hopeful (full of hope?). In any case; my bucket list is complete (except for Charlize Theron) and I am ready for what tomorrow brings.

Thanks for the sage advice about enjoying every minute and no need to be sorry, Gerry. I'm still aiming for the perfect poem before I put down my pen for good.

What a surprise,...Charlize is on my bucket list too. I'd send out a special request for her to visit you,...but she's ignored all my invitations so far. You'll be in my thoughts Dennis. Here's hoping it can be extracted and you'll continue to get older and grumpier.

I prefer to keep an open mind,....but not so much that my brains fall out.- Carl Sagan
Your brain is like an umbrella. It only works when it's open- Someone Smart

As you painted a beautiful picture...I was right there. I could here and feel the sunset and stars and moon and nightsounds.
And then the bombshell information. It was a heart stopper for me. (Just for a moment...I'm still here! )

I echo Bags.

So sorry about the news and to enjoy every moment. <3

I look forward to your perfect poem. Though you have quite a few of those already! (perfect poems)

The experts have determined that the growth in my abdomen is situated in a area that is too difficult to do a biopsy on. There are various reasons for this including the location being between and possibly joined to 2 internal organs so that it only appears momentarily under the ribs during ultra sound and second being that the mass is surrounded by a vital artery that could bleed out rather quickly. The tissue mass itself has grown from 1.5 centimetres to 3.5 according to a recent ultra sound and CT scan.

But the blood tests are good so far and that is encouraging.

I have to say I regret this news being a cause for concern among my fellow poets and I can assure you that I have as much time as any of us can be sure of to complete this journey. Time is too precious to waste. I knew this long before getting a medical diagnosis and have tried to live accordingly. In other words my bucket list was completed along with my fuckit list quite some time ago.

I am still walking at night though not always alone. I have met a lovely former Welsh woman with the name Marelon and she is my heart's guide and companion these days. Her home and furry companions, Wysper the appaloosa mare and Aiden the Karelian bear dog and several barn cats provide a open refuge for me when I'm not skulking about these parched hills and streams (hope this drought ends soon).

Love is always around us and nothing can defeat it, not our mortal bodies that were never meant to last and not our human prejudices and failings.

Thanks to Heinz for letting me know of the feelings felt by a very special member and poet. I think of her and my poetry pages friends often and with fondness and true affection.

Hello Denis, I hope things are going in the right direction for you my friend. You might find this odd, I watch or listen to Rachel Maddow on a regular basis. Often when as I'm listening to her I think of you. I know that this association goes back many years to some sort of an exchange here on the Page's. This is my awkward way of saying that even in my absence you've been on my mind and always will be in a most positive way My Friend. Take Care

Take me back, so far back, adjust this fate. Afeared lately of pen, in abscence of light. The fear I might stumble upon a plagiarized soul. Wipe this dark slate clean, regain my thought. Add the words that rekindle my depth of soul.